Grass Valley vs Paradise vs Solvang (Sacramento, Santa Barbara: apartments, insurance, employment)

[redhummingbird]

I have options in these 3 areas in terms of affordable senior housing. I've pretty much decided against Sacramento unless something as affordable as the above comes along. I've been reading threads about the various areas. It sounds like the climate in Solvang would be perfect for me but the lack of medical care is concerning. I'm not able to travel due to the type of chronic illness I have.

The apartments in Grass Valley and Solvang are brand new 55+ communities. I've been having quite a bit of difficulty getting any information from the property manager in Solvang which is a bit concerning. She doesn't seem to know anything about the apartments (whether they are energy efficient etc...) nor the square footage.

I'm interested in a good climate (the drier the better), access to good medical care, senior friendly, liberal, lgbt friendly, easy to get around town, and not a depressing area, and good farmer's markets.

If anyone has info on any of this or any other comments about the areas I'd appreciate it. I have to make a decision by the end of next week.

Thanks!

[Snort]

Solvang in a heartbeat, followed by Grass Valley, and Paradise a distant third. All are hot in the summer. I know the hospitals in Santa Barbara, but there is a Cottage Hospital in Solvang that might be okay for typical ailments. The one in Santa Barbara would be about 45 minutes away and would have most everything. There's also a Sansum Clinic in Solvang. Check what they have to offer and see if it's a fit.
You might like living in a Danish Disneyland.

[redhummingbird]

Originally Posted by Snort

Solvang in a heartbeat, followed by Grass Valley, and Paradise a distant third. All are hot in the summer. I know the hospitals in Santa Barbara, but there is a Cottage Hospital in Solvang that might be okay for typical ailments. The one in Santa Barbara would be about 45 minutes away and would have most everything. There's also a Sansum Clinic in Solvang. Check what they have to offer and see if it's a fit.
You might like living in a Danish Disneyland.

Thanks snort. I don't mind hot weather. I've been reading about Paradisr and decided that's out. I'd love to live in a Danish Disneyland. 🙂 They don't accept pets but my doctor wrote a letter. Hopefully that will be acceptable. I need to figure out the traveling to Santa Barbara for medical spots. I can't drive that far due to physical reasons. Amtrak is a 90 minute trip which is fine if I'm not sick. I'll call the Samsun clinic on Monday to check them out. Thanks for that.

The grass valley apartments have what I want (accept pets, good size apartments,balconies, community activists, light) but not the climate whereas Solvang had what I want in terms of climate and cuteness but not the apartment (no balcony, apartments clustered into one building, small).

[Snort]

I'd be happy with either Solvang or Grass Valley. I like both places. Not so keen about Paradise because there just isn't much there. Chico would be more my choice, if I had to live near Paradise.

[tikkasf]

One unmentioned advantage in Grass Valley's favor, in your case, is the logistics of moving & costs would likely be easier for you

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

You just ask for a "reasonable accommodation" for your pet, and give them your doctor's letter. If you are disabled, they must allow your emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation - unless it would cause them financial hardship (if it's a pit bull, which would mean they lose their insurance, for instance).

If they fight you on it, you can give them this:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/libr...jstatement.pdf

If they still fight you, you can file a claim with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing

DFEH - Complaint Process

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I've spent time in Solvang & Grass Valley, & Solvang has less temperature variance...usually doesn't get hotter than high 80's or low 90's & very dry...there are a lot of vineyards in the area so it can't get too scorching. It's usually sunny & mild. It's also a very safe area & the Santa Ynez Valley is just a pleasant, pretty place.

[AugustRN]

We are looking into GV also? wondering about the snow and the commute to Auburn? Also the air quality? any ideas?
thank you!

[AugustRN]

PS...we love Solvang! Central coast is beautiful with near perfect weather. Our jobs are up North so thats why we are researching GV.

[redhummingbird]

Originally Posted by tikkasf

One unmentioned advantage in Grass Valley's favor, in your case, is the logistics of moving & costs would likely be easier for you

Great point. I hadn't factored in moving costs. I found out the complex in Solvang wouldn't have a balcony available so that's a factor against it. I love the area but need a balcony for those days when I'm too sick to go out.